Lee.
Predictably another accurate and impartial report, save for a few program errors that caused some name issues in the TKS Squad.
Your opening comments about the origins of the TKS players were not only accurate but refreshingly honest.
I arrived at HH just after half-time in the 16A's. I believe the final score was Joeys 28 def. Kings 5. Apparantly TKS commenced well but after Joeys initial two tries TKS lost heart and struggled for the balance of the game.
4th XV- TKS 36 def. Joeys 5 (?)
3rd XV - TKS 14 def. Joeys 5
2nd XV - Joeys 42 def. TKS 20 (?)
1st XV TKS 35 def. Joeys 5
Walford definitely had a dominant game in the 2nd XV against a disheartened TKS team. I accept his general ability but question his performance behind a losing pack and being hounded by Connor, Killingworth and Kent all day long.
I went to the Joeys- Kings clash eager to see the match-ups predicted by G&G Rugby ie. (2) Dicembre v Reid. (7) Connor v. Bond, (13) Ashby v Ingate and (15) Tegart v. Curtis.
Dicembre slaved tirelessly in a comprehensively beaten pack. The Joeys front row spent a considerable amount of time in the air. In the final stages of the game when Kings had excellent field position in the Joeys 22, TKS produced a monster effort to take their 5th tight head. That, for me pretty well summed up the afternoon.
Joeys lost Bond to a shoulder/arm injury. I hope that it's not serious and he' fit for the GPS competition ahead.
Besides the front row dominance. the TKS back row were extremely effective and provided continuity to the King's attack throughout the afternoon.
For the Joeys pack I thought that James Williams was the standout in a thoroughly beaten outfit.
In the Joeys back-line Bartlett had an unfortunate day at the office. As testimony to that statement Ashby and Bartlett swapped positions later in the game. Does Bartlett come from Canberra and has he represented ACT Schools previously?
Cornered between and agressive back row and a smothering midfield defence by Josh McCormack and Chris Ingate Joeys 10, 12 and 13 became increasingly indecisive and ineffectual.
Ashby appeared like a player usually accustomed to running at will against inferior opposition. His encounter with Chris Ingate proved extremely frustrating. The physical dominance of the Joeys midfield by McCormack (12) and Ingate (13) was a major component of the game.
From my point of view the Joeys back three of Tegart, Buchanan and Carolan were unsighted for most of the afternoon. Ashby had one spectacular broken field carry where he demonstrated his brilliance with the ball in hand. However without the continuity provided by an competitive back row or supportinmg backs that could stay with him, that attack faltered.
In the dying minutes of the game Tom Horne TKS left wing popped up on the right wing to deliver the last pass for the final try. Until that time he had enjoyed a quiet game.
Prior to Bond's injury and subsequent departure Tom Connor was easily outplaying him, in my opinion.
The standout performances in the TKS team were as follows;
1 - Jed Gillespie
2 - Tim Reid
3 - Guy Millar
5 - Benn Melrose
6 - Boyd Killingworth
7 - Tom Connor
8 - George Kent
10 - Ed Wylie
12 - Josh McCormack
13 - Chris Ingate
I know that doesn't leave out many of the TKS players who also had solid games, but is a reflection of the absolute dominance by the players listed above.
If Josh McCormack had enjoyed a better day with the boot TKS may have posted a far greater score.
With only 3 more games for the selectors to announce the initial GPS sides I would appreciate your thoughts so far.
Regulars of G&G Rugby have talked previoulsy about credentials of Hugh Roach, Hooker from Newington. On 2010 season form and results I can't seeny logic in avoiding selection of the TKS front row as a unit in the GPS 1st XV. Their emphatic performance yesterday must be hard to ignore.
The same comments apply to many other players in this team that reflects the benefit of many of the squad returing for their 2nd year in the team. This situation is similar to many Joeys chmpionship teams of the past. Natural talent + maturity + confidence + good coaching = winning performance.
However, I've now seen enough GPS Rugby to know that the above is not always enough!
haha